Unstill: The Ordeal of Anxiety, Pills, and an Undiagnosed Disorder. A Memoir - Lenny Gallo

Mental health treatments can be life-changing for many, but what happens when those treatments lead to unexpected and severe side effects? For Lenny Gallo, a therapist and author of the memoir Unstill, his journey with mental health medications led to a condition that few are aware of but many endure: medication-induced movement disorders. In his book, Lenny shares his personal battle with two particularly debilitating conditions—tardive dyskinesia and akathisia—that are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and poorly addressed within the medical community.

What Are Medication-Induced Movement Disorders?

Medication-induced movement disorders are involuntary conditions that affect the body’s ability to function normally. These disorders, which can be caused by certain mental health medications, include symptoms like repetitive, uncontrolled movements (tardive dyskinesia) or a persistent, uncomfortable urge to move (akathisia). Both conditions are part of a larger family of movement disorders, which are often linked to psychiatric treatments.

Tardive dyskinesia and akathisia are significant but frequently overlooked conditions that can cause substantial distress to those who suffer from them. For Lenny, his experience with akathisia began after taking mental health medications. He describes the sensation as being akin to consuming 40 cups of coffee, with the overwhelming need to move that no amount of effort could suppress. In severe cases, this can lead to sleep deprivation and a feeling of being trapped in one’s own body, unable to sit still or find relief.

The Struggles of Being Misunderstood

Lenny’s journey with medication-induced movement disorders was long and difficult. Initially, he faced a frustrating search for answers, as doctors dismissed his symptoms or failed to make the connection to the medication he had been taking. For many people experiencing movement disorders like these, it’s not immediately clear what’s causing the symptoms. Often, doctors overlook these side effects, leading patients to feel misunderstood and isolated.

In Lenny’s case, his struggle wasn’t just physical but emotional and mental as well. Being on the receiving end of skepticism from the medical community made him feel invisible. This lack of understanding is a common experience for many who suffer from medication-induced movement disorders, but Lenny’s story highlights an essential point: patient advocacy is crucial for anyone navigating the often complicated health care system.

The Role of Patient Advocacy in Mental Health Treatment

One of the most powerful lessons Lenny learned from his experience is the importance of advocating for oneself when navigating health care. It is all too common for patients to be told that their concerns are “all in their head” or dismissed because their symptoms don’t fit neatly into a specific diagnosis. But Lenny urges patients to be proactive in their care, asking questions and seeking out doctors who are willing to listen and collaborate. When Lenny sought out answers about his condition, he realized that not all doctors were equipped to recognize or treat these movement disorders, and he had to educate them in the process.

As a therapist today, Lenny has become an advocate for his patients, teaching them how to approach their mental health care with a critical eye and an informed mindset. He stresses that patients should never be afraid to ask questions, push for second opinions, or walk away from a doctor who isn’t offering the level of care they deserve.

The Need for Better Education on Medication Side Effects

While medications can be essential in treating mental health conditions, Lenny emphasizes the need for greater awareness of the potential side effects, particularly in the realm of movement disorders. Most patients take medications prescribed to them without fully understanding the risks involved. Lenny’s story shows how life-altering side effects can sometimes arise months or even years after taking a medication, and the impact they have can be profound.

His memoir, Unstill, aims to shed light on the dangers of these side effects and encourage others to be more informed before deciding to start or stop medications. For Lenny, the side effects were so severe that he found himself struggling to function in everyday life. Despite this, his condition went undiagnosed for a long time, and it was only through extensive research that he was able to put the pieces together.

Lenny encourages those suffering from medication-induced movement disorders to be aware of the potential risks and to seek out more holistic approaches to mental health when appropriate. He advocates for talk therapy as a first line of defense, pointing out that medication should only be prescribed when absolutely necessary, especially in non-severe cases.

The Impact of Trauma and Healing Through Compassionate Care

Through his personal experience, Lenny learned that healing goes beyond just addressing the physical symptoms of a condition; it’s about addressing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual wounds as well. His movement disorder not only affected his body but also took a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. The journey of healing involved patience, self-compassion, and finding the right therapeutic support.

One of the key aspects of healing that Lenny now practices with his patients is the concept of collaborative care. As a therapist, he ensures that his patients are fully informed about their treatment options, including the medications they are taking, their side effects, and the potential risks involved. He works alongside doctors, psychiatrists, and other health professionals to ensure that his patients receive holistic care that addresses their needs as a whole person.

Lenny Gallo’s Unstill: A Call for Empathy and Awareness

Lenny’s memoir, Unstill, serves as both a cautionary tale and a guide for others facing similar struggles. His journey has become a beacon of hope for those dealing with medication-induced movement disorders, as well as a call for the medical community to listen more closely to patients’ experiences and to consider the full impact of medications on people’s lives.

Lenny’s story is not just for those dealing with movement disorders—it’s for anyone who has struggled with the medical system, anyone who has been overlooked or misunderstood by their doctors, and anyone who has experienced the isolation that comes from not being believed.

The most important takeaway from Lenny’s experience is this: healing is possible, but it requires a holistic approach, patience, and a commitment to self-advocacy. If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of medication-induced movement disorders, Lenny’s book Unstill offers invaluable insights into how to navigate this journey with awareness, compassion, and resilience.

You can find Unstill on Lenny’s website at http://www.lennygallo.com/unstill - and learn more about his journey and the work he’s doing to help others.